There was a heavy deployment of security operatives at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, with all entry and exit points effectively locked down amid the deepening crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Although details of the development remained unclear, sources indicated that the heightened security presence followed INEC’s decision to remove David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary from its official portal.
The move reportedly sparked outrage within the party, with leaders said to be strategising on how to respond to what they described as “INEC impunity.” Plans by opposition groups, including members of the ADC and the Obidient Movement, to converge at the commission’s Maitama headquarters were also cited as a possible reason for the security clampdown.
Security operatives drawn from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were seen cordoning off the premises with patrol vehicles, effectively restricting movement around the area.
The development comes as INEC reaffirmed its decision to cease recognition of the affected party officials and declined to acknowledge Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to assume leadership of the party through legal action. The commission also stated that it would not monitor any conventions or congresses organised by the faction linked to the delisted officials pending the resolution of the matter in court.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, reiterated the commission’s commitment to neutrality, urging political actors to avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The crisis, which stems from conflicting legal claims and interpretations of a Court of Appeal ruling, has further deepened divisions within the ADC. The commission confirmed receiving multiple legal correspondences from opposing factions, including demands to enforce court decisions affecting the party’s leadership structure.
In its reaction, the ADC rejected INEC’s interpretation of the appellate court ruling and the removal of its leaders’ names from the commission’s portal.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused INEC of acting under pressure from the government, alleging attempts to weaken opposition parties and impose a one-party system.
The party described INEC’s position as contradictory and inconsistent with facts, adding that it would clarify the issues publicly and announce its next line of action after reviewing available options.
By Friday Olokor
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